1. Who We Are / Data Controller

We are Lions Bay Accounting Services. For privacy law purposes, we are the data controller of personal data collected in relation to our website and client engagements.

2. Types of Personal Data We Collect

Depending on the services you receive, we may collect:

• Identity: name, date of birth, government identifiers (SIN, SSN)
• Contact: postal address, email, phone number
• Financial & tax: tax returns, payroll records, bank or account information where necessary for filings
• Technical: IP address, browser and device info, cookie and analytics data

3. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data to:

• Provide accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and tax preparation services
• File tax returns and comply with CRA, IRS, and other tax authorities
• Invoice and process payments
• Communicate about your engagement and deliverables
• Maintain required professional and legal records

We will not use your data for purposes incompatible with those listed above without your explicit consent (unless required by law).

4. Legal Basis & Consent

Canada: We rely on your consent and legal obligations (tax law and professional standards) to process data.
United States: Processing is necessary to perform our contract with you and to comply with legal obligations; we also rely on legitimate interests (improving our services) where appropriate.

5. Who We Share Data With

We may share personal data with:

• Tax authorities (CRA, IRS, state/provincial agencies) where required
• Service providers (payroll processors, cloud accounting platforms) under confidentiality agreements
• Legal or regulatory bodies when required by law

We do not sell personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Security & Retention

We maintain administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information we hold. These include encryption for data at rest and in transit, access controls, and secure storage for paper files.

Retention: We retain client records to meet professional and legal obligations — typically 7 years for tax and accounting records — after which records are securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Cookies & Website Tracking

We use cookies and analytics tools to improve site functionality and measure usage. You can opt out or manage cookie settings via your browser. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party tools we use (e.g., Google Analytics).

8. Cross-Border Transfers

Because we serve Canadian and U.S. clients, personal data may be transferred or stored in either country. We take steps to ensure such transfers comply with applicable privacy laws and safeguards.

9. Your Rights & Choices

You have rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data (subject to legal and professional retention obligations). To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

10. Contact & Complaints

You have the right to complain to the data protection authority in your country, or refer the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction, or as specified in any applicable engagement agreement with Lions Bay Accounting Services.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, notified to clients.